Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but has no lines of her own.
Until now.
Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every place ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.
Review - Oh how do I love this book...let me count the ways. Lisa Mantchev has combined a brilliant premise, a chaotic mishmash of theatric events, vibrant characters and enveloped them within a huge beating heart.
Very likely to leave your head a-buzz with possibilities, Mantchev has established a reality where one foundling is raised amongst very familiar characters from famous stage plays. Imagine growing up amongst mischievous faeries, drippy (literally) Ophelia, swashbuckling Nate and challenging Ariel. It's like any kids best dream...ever.
Eyes Likes Stars is the best kind of random - hilarious, puzzling, shocking, mysterious, infuriating and just utterly delightful. Bertie is a character that initially grates and then quickly seeps into your heart. The reader loves her as the theatre company (minus a few) love her. Her impish, order-challenging, pigheadedness is so vibrant and so fun, that you ride the wave until the very last word. Despite all the razzle dazzle there is the great mystery of Bertie's heritage, the secret of which is kept by several key players. There's also a love triangle which makes the reader ask which side they are on - pirate or airy spirit? I'm definitely on Team Bad Boy.
Lisa Mantchev has created a marvellous read here - it's magical, heart warming, chortle-worthy loveliness. Embrace the literary and faery chaos and read Eyes Like Stars as soon as possible.
Published: July 7, 2009
Format: Paperback, 368 pages
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Origin: USA
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http://theatre-illuminata.com/
http://www.lisamantchev.com/
http://www.lisamantchev.com/
5 comments:
I'm at page 6 or 7 of this book. I don't know how I feel yet but the topic sounds different.
I've heard great things about this book! It sounds like something I'd really enjoy.
Weee! I can't wait! hehe Great review!
xoxoxo
ReaderGirl Reviews
Nice review. I can't wait to read this! The cover draws you in instantly, eh?
Is this out in Australia yet? Big W won't let me have it until April 2010 for some reason. Poo. =(
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